134399 Captain Robert Jacob GRIFFITH, North Irish Horse, Italy, Military Cross & Bar

Recommendation for Award for Griffith, Robert Jacob Rank: Temporary Captain ... | The National Archives
Reference: WO 373/1/104
Name: Griffith, Robert Jacob
Rank: Temporary Captain
Service No: 134399
Regiment: [North Irish Horse], Royal Armoured Corps
Theatre of Combat or Operation: North Africa (Algeria, Tunisia)
Award: Military Cross
Date of announcement in London Gazette: 22 April 1943


26 Army Tank Brigade
134399 Temporary Captain Robert Jacob GRIFFITH, NORTH IRISH HORSE, R.A.C.
On 28 Feb part of 'A' Sqn were returning to take up their position at first light in the are 3247 (Tunisia, Sheet 4) when the Sqn Ldr's tank was knocked out and Major W.H. KETCH ELL wounded. Capt GRIFFITH, who had been delayed on the way owing to a broken down vehicle, arrived shortly afterwards and very coolly and competently organised the defence of this vital area. He remained in command of this area until 5th March and during this period was responsible for holding the position by day and by night.

On the morning of 1 Mar six enemy tanks were subjected to artillery fire; one was immobilised and all abandoned their crews. Capt GRIFFITH went out on foot and entered one of these tanks. He brought back a GERMAN wallet containing valuable material for identification and from the information which he supplied an operation for the complete destruction of the tanks was organised and successfully carried. out.

During these six days Capt GRIFFITH displayed marked powers of leadership and initiative. The position was frequently under fire and Capt GRIFFITH went out many times on foot to locate the enemy guns and to secure valuable information of enemy tank and Inf movements.

I consider that Capt. GRIFFITH played a very valuable part in the stopping of the tank thrust on BEJA.

 

Recommendation for Award for Griffith, Robert Jacob Rank: Captain Service... | The National Archives
Reference: WO 373/7/162
Name: Griffith, Robert Jacob
Rank: Captain
Service No: 134399
Regiment: North Irish Horse, Royal Armoured Corps
Theatre of Combat or Operation: Italy
Award: Bar to the Military Cross
Date of announcement in London Gazette: 24 August 1944

25 Tank Brigade, under command 1st Canadian Division
134399 WS/Captain (Temporary Major) Robert Jacob GRIFFITH, MC

0600 hrs 23 May 44 - 1000 hrs 24 May 44. ADOLF HITLER LINE, Ref Map ITALY 1/25,000, Sheet 169 III N.E., Square 7419.

In the action against the HITLER LINE Major GRIFFITH;s sqn supported the P.P.C.L.I., a bn of the 2 Cdn Inf Bde. 600 yards from the Start Line his sqn was held up by tk obstacles and an extensive enemy minefield. Visibility was 10 yards and the sqn came under very heavy enemy shelling and mortaring which continued incessantly for 28 hours. Touch was lost with the Inf and a battle commenced with the powerful A.Tk defences. Major GRIFFITH controlled this battle on foot despite the heavy enemy fire and besides accounting for several snipers himself, his tsk destroyed two Mk V tks (PANTHERS), two 75 mm. A.Tk guns, one 88 mm A.Tk gun and inflicted casualties on the enemy inf. Four of his Churchill tks were destroyed in this action.

As it was found impossible to by-pass the minefield and all attempts at gapping were unsuccessful, Major GRIFFITH decided to consolidate his gains. To do this, he left the safety of his tk and for many hours on foot and under intense fire, directed the form of a strong point. He helped considerably in the re-organisation of the inf and directed the clearance of casualties. He held his position against constant enemy action throughout one day and one night and would only leave the area when ordered to do so during the following morning when the battle and been won. His clear appreciation of the situation, his complete disregard for his personal safety, his coolness and daring were an inspiration to all troops in the area and there is no doubt that his action in pinning down powerful elements of the enemy defences helped considerably in the forcing of the HITLER LINE.